Pillowcase And Neck Pillow System

ABSTRACT

The current invention is a combination of pillowcases and a neck pillow that includes a rectangular shaped bed pillowcase, a cylindrical shaped neck pillowcase, a neck pillow, and an outer carrying case. This system is designed to complement/work with one&#39;s existing bed pillow. This pillow system is easily portable so it can be used at home, in a hotel room, or anywhere while away where one has access to another bed pillow. In addition, it works as a travel pillow, for example, while in an airplane. 
     The current invention is a cylindrical neck pillowcase that is incorporated into the manufacture of a rectangular bed pillowcase and accepts a specially designed cylindrical neck pillow from the inside of the rectangular bed pillowcase. Only part of the cylindrical neck pillowcase is attached to the rectangular bed pillowcase which allows it to be more maneuverable in order to maintain alignment of one&#39;s neck in multiple positions for sleeping or relaxing on one&#39;s back, side, or front. The neck pillow can be positioned and secured in a “U” shape position either on the upper or lower portion of the bed pillow to allow for more support, alignment, and comfort while sleeping/resting on one&#39;s back or for face down positioning. In addition, a carrying case protects the pillowcases and neck pillow for traveling. It also can be positioned and secured in a “U” shape to be used as a neck pillow to provide support to one&#39;s head and neck during travel. Once one arrives at their destination, one opens the carrying case and removes the pillowcases and neck pillow. Then, one inserts a rectangular bed pillow into the rectangular bed pillowcase and proceeds to use for sleep/rest.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/941,683 filed on Feb. 19, 2014.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to body positioning during sleep and rest and is a neck pillow system directed to proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine while sleeping and resting at home, away from home, and during travel.

BACKGROUND

The problem with current products available is that they are either not flexible/maneuverable, supportive or versatile. For example, the familiar pillow that has a larger curved bottom and slender top that is supposed to support one's head and neck is very rigid and not able to conform to natural body movements during sleep. As one's head moves, it ends up on top of the area that is supposed to support the neck. Because of this they are only able to provide a temporary rest on one's back or side before they get uncomfortable and stop providing proper support. In addition these pillows are not able to accommodate sleep or rest while on one's front. The most common alternative is the 6″ diameter cylindrical neck pillow that is maneuverable, yet is not supportive of one's head in addition to the neck while on one's back, and is too large to provide proper neck support while on one's side. These pillows are too large to fit just the neck area that they become just like any other pillow. It too can not support face down sleep and rest. The current invention allows for head and neck support, maneuverability during sleep while maintaining support, and the versatility to be used on one's back, side, or front. It is also versatile enough to be easily carried and used while away from home and during travel.

No other pillow available gives one the support, maneuverability, and versatility. No other pillow is a complete system for comfort and proper alignment in all these positions. There are no pillows available with all these features and design. Another benefit of this present invention is that depending on one's size and comfort, a person can choose the size and firmness of the bed pillow to support his/her head, but still use the neck pillow, which is specifically designed smaller, to fit between the shoulder and the base of the head; the neck area. Most people have a specific size and firmness of their bed pillow that suits them best. However, if they also have neck or back soreness they have to completely change this bed pillow in order to fix their problem. With this invention one gets to use the same bed pillow that is most comfortable, with the added benefit of a neck pillow to relieve the strain on one's neck or back.

This invention can also be positioned to use for face down sleeping support. This feature is very important as many people struggle to find pillows that are suitable to allow for the face down sleeping that may be required for example after certain eye surgeries or procedures. In addition, other pillows are not adaptable enough to easily travel with, be used while traveling, and then also for sleep and rest away from home. This pillowcase and neck pillow system provides: 1) comfort, support, and maneuverability to prevent and relieve neck and back soreness; 2) the ability to relieve symptoms of snoring, sleep apnea, and allow for the ability to sleep and relax in numerous positions; 3) allow for easy portability, used as a travel pillow, and while sleeping away from home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This pillowcase and neck pillow system is made as a one piece rectangular bed pillowcase that has a built in cylindrical neck pillowcase (3.5″ to 4″ diameter). The neck pillowcase has openings (pockets) on the ends and receives a specially designed, removable cylindrical neck pillow (3.5″ to 4″ diameter). The specially designed neck pillow has ties on the outside circular ends that allow for connecting (tying) the two ends of the neck pillow for repositioning and maintaining that position. In addition, an outside cylindrical carrying case is used for transporting, protecting, and using the pillowcase and neck pillow system for neck support while traveling. The carrying case has connectors at each end in order to position it into a “U” shape for head and neck support while traveling.

Features that separate this invention from other pillows and neck pillows: 1) the size of the neck pillow is smaller in diameter which allows it to fit one's neck area while on one's back or side; 2) it combines a specially designed pillowcase and neck pillow with one's own bed pillow for optimum personal comfort; 3) the carrying case transforms into a travel pillow for neck support; 4) the way the neck pillowcase is built in to the outside of the bed pillowcase at just the mid-point; one third of which is actually connected to the bed pillowcase so the outer portions of the neck pillowcase and neck pillow are free to move on each end. This is a key point because of two added features this enables: 1) when people sleep on their sides their heads often dip down as they get into the fetal position. With the other pillows, one's head/face would end up on top of the neck support rendering it ineffective. With this design, because the ends are free to move, a person can roll onto his/her side and simply grab the end of the cylindrical neck pillow and tuck it under one's chin. This allows the neck pillow to continue to support one's neck and chin, relieving stress on the neck and keeping the jaw closed and forward to promote nose breathing and an open airway, while the bed pillow portion is still supporting one's head; 2) the pivot point allows for the ends of the cylindrical pillow to be positioned either on the upper or lower portion of the bed pillow in a “U” shaped manner for increased support while a person relaxes on his/her back or maintains a face down position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS (16)

FIG. 1: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a bed pillow inserted.

FIG. 2: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a bed pillow inserted.

FIG. 3: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a “U” shape on the lower portion of the bed pillow.

FIG. 4: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a “U” shape on the lower portion of the bed pillow.

FIG. 5: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow secured in a “U” shape on the upper portion of the bed pillow.

FIG. 6: depicts current embodiment of the invention with the neck pillow and the rectangular bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow positioned towards the bottom of the bed pillow.

FIG. 7: same as FIG. 6 except the cylindrical neck pillow is positioned to the upper part of the rectangular bed pillow.

FIG. 8: depicts current embodiment of the invention with a rectangular bed pillow inserted and the cylindrical neck pillow positioned (tied) in a “U” shape on the upper part of the bed pillow.

FIG. 9: depicts current embodiment of the invention not including the carrying case.

FIG. 10A & B: depict the current embodiment of the invention and rolled up for transport.

FIG. 11: depicts current embodiment of the invention rolled up and inserted into the carrying case.

FIG. 12: depicts the front of the combined bed and cylindrical pillowcases.

FIG. 13: depicts the back of the pillowcases.

FIG. 14: depicts 3.5″ to 4″ diameter circular ends of the neck pillowcase with pocket openings.

FIG. 15: depicts the neck pillow inserted into the cylindrical neck pillowcase.

FIG. 16: depicts the cylindrical carrying case.

DESCRIPTION

The current invention is fabricated as a one piece unit. It includes a rectangular bed pillowcase that has a 3.5″-4″ diameter and 24″ long cylindrical neck pillowcase built in to the framework of the rectangular bed pillowcase. An opening exists between the bed pillowcase and the neck pillowcase. The opening is on the inside of the bed pillowcase. This allows for inserting the specially designed neck pillow. Only the middle section of the cylindrical pillowcase, which is approximately 8″ of the 24″ total length, is connected to the bed pillowcase to allow the outer portions of the cylindrical neck pillow to be maneuvered into different positions. The cylindrical neck pillowcase has openings (pockets) on each end. These pockets allow the cylindrical neck pillow ties to be exposed and extended to permit the user to maneuver the pillow to the position he/she wants, and then secure the neck pillow in place by tying the ends.

Inside the cylindrical pillowcase the specially designed cylindrical neck pillow can be filled with many different substances depending on the firmness desired; for example poly-fill, pellets, micro-beads or with an inflatable tube. This cylindrical neck pillow has approximately 12″ of tying material built in to the ends. These ties can be accessed from the pockets of the cylindrical neck pillowcase in order to secure the neck pillow in different positions. The ties allow for different size openings or tension when positioning the neck pillow.

A cylindrical carrying case is designed to protect the combined rectangular bed and cylindrical pillowcases, and the neck pillow, to allow for transporting and use while on an airplane then unpacked for use while sleeping away from home. Once the user arrives at his/her destination, the user removes the neck pillow and combined pillowcases from the outer carrying case, unfolds the rectangular bed pillowcase, and simply inserts a bed pillow into the rectangular portion of the pillowcase.

Another design feature is that the cylindrical pillow is moveable to the upper half of the pillow to allow for support for the head/neck while in bed reading, watching television, or on a computer (see FIG. 7). If one needs even more support and wants to be more upright, one can bend the ends into a “U” shape position on the upper part of the pillow and tie them together in the middle. This “U” shape creates a stiffer pillow for more support for alternative body positioning (see FIG. 5).

Since the cylindrical neck pillow is removable from the cylindrical neck pillowcase, the cylindrical neck pillowcase and the rectangular bed pillowcase are easily washable and/or replaceable. Also, this allows for the replacement of the neck pillow because of being worn out or needing a firmer/softer neck pillow.

FIGS. 1-5 depict a subject utilizing the Pillowcase And Neck Pillow System while sleeping/resting on their side, back, and front. FIG. 1 demonstrates how the neck pillow portion supports the neck and underneath the chin, and the bed pillow supports the head, while on their side. FIG. 2 demonstrates how the neck pillow and bed pillow supports both the neck and head respectively while on one's back. FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrates how the pillow system can be used while on one's front with arms in different positions. This is an ideal massage position or if necessary after certain surgeries/procedures that require face down positioning. Air flow is available because a portion of the neck pillow is extended beyond the bed pillow leaving an opening for both nose and mouth breathing. FIG. 5 demonstrates the neck pillow in the “U” shape on the upper portion of the bed pillow. This positioning is used to be more supportive and upright. FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the bed pillowcase with a bed pillow inserted and the neck pillow inserted into the neck pillowcase. FIG. 6 depicts the neck pillow at the bottom portion of the bed pillow which is the normal sleeping configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 7 depicts the neck pillow moved to the upper portion of the bed pillow which is used for a more upright positioning of one's body. FIG. 8 depicts a bed pillow inserted into the bed pillowcase and the specially designed neck pillow inserted into the neck pillowcase and tied into a “U” shape on the upper portion of the bed pillow. This configuration would also be used for a more upright body positioning. FIG. 9 is the rectangular bed pillowcase combined with the cylindrical pillowcase and the specially designed cylindrical neck pillow is removed. On the outside of the cylindrical neck pillow are the ties that are used to secure the neck pillow into the “U” shape. FIG. 10A shows the rectangular bed pillowcase is empty while the cylindrical neck pillow is inserted into the cylindrical neck pillowcase. FIG. 10B shows the bed pillowcase and the neck pillow are rolled up to be inserted into the carrying case for protection, transporting, and use as a travel neck pillow. FIG. 11 shows a subject utilizing the current invention as a travel neck pillow. The combined bed and neck pillowcases with the neck pillow inserted are rolled up as depicted in FIG. 10 and inserted into the carrying case. The clasps are fastened to maintain the “U” shape.

FIGS. 12-16 depict the dimensions and shape of each piece that is manufactured. FIG. 12 displays the front of the combined bed and neck pillowcases and the method for manufacturing as a single unit. Note: FIG. 12 Top is connected to FIG. 13 Top and FIG. 12 Bottom is connected to FIG. 13 Bottom. The Middle edge 1 & Middle edge 2 are connected, then the cylindrical pillowcase Top and Bottom are connected. Then, the ends are closed with 3.5″-4″ diameter circles. This completes the unit construction of the combined rectangular bed pillowcase with the cylindrical neck pillowcase. FIG. 13 depicts the dimensions and shape of the back of the combined bed and neck pillowcases. FIG. 14 depicts the circular ends of the cylindrical neck pillowcase with the openings (pockets) centrally located in order to allow the ties, attached to the neck pillow, to be exposed and utilized. FIG. 15 depicts the dimensions and shape of the cylindrical neck pillow with fabric ties attached on each end; approximately 12″ length to secure the neck pillow in a “U” shape. FIG. 16 depicts the cylindrical carrying case that is used to protect, transport, and be used as a travel neck pillow. The zipper opens the case to allow for the pillowcases and neck pillow to be inserted. The clasps (fasteners) at each end connect to maintain the pillow in a “U” shape as shown in FIG. 11. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pillowcase, comprising: a rectangular bed pillowcase; a cylindrical neck pillowcase; wherein the neck pillowcase is built on/in to the outside of the bed pillowcase.
 2. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein access to install a neck pillow is from either the inside of the bed pillowcase or the outside of the neck pillowcase.
 3. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein only the middle portion of the cylindrical neck pillowcase is attached to the rectangular bed pillowcase to allow for movement of the ends of the cylindrical neck pillow.
 4. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical neck pillowcase is approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and 24 inches long, that has approximately 8 inches of its 24 inch length, attached to the rectangular bed pillowcase at the mid point of the cylindrical neck pillowcase.
 5. A pillowcase of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical neck pillowcase has openings on each end to allow access to the inserted cylindrical neck pillow.
 6. A cylindrical neck pillow, comprising: approximately a 3.5 inch diameter; 24 inches in length; and filled with poly-fill, micro-beads, pellets, memory foam, or built as an inflatable tube.
 7. A cylindrical neck pillow of claim 6, wherein ties or other fastening material are built in to each end to fit through the openings at the end of the cylindrical neck pillowcase in order to secure the neck pillow into different positions.
 8. A cylindrical carrying case comprising: a fabric sewn in a cylindrical shape; a zipper enclosure; and a clasp at each end; wherein the pillowcase and the neck pillow can be inserted, enclosed, and connected by a fastening device at each end in order to maintain a “U” shape configuration. 